In San Antonio, a struggling AC is not something you can ignore. You feel it in the rooms that never quite cool down, in the airflow that never seems right, and in the constant question of whether the system is going to hold up.
That’s what led us to create the Ugly HVAC Contest at Elmer’s Home Services, our way of helping someone in the community who’s been dealing with a system that’s long overdue for an upgrade.
We asked homeowners across San Antonio to send in photos and stories of their oldest systems. The ones that have been kept alive through repairs and patience. We review each submission and choose one winner who receives a full HVAC system replacement.
This year, Lloyd’s story stood out right away.
When Lloyd entered the contest, he described his HVAC system as “older than dirt.”
The unit had been running for over 40 years in a 60-year old home, holding on through repairs, service calls, and a lot of patience. Over time, fewer and fewer companies were willing to work on it.
Two home warranty companies had already taken a look and declined to do anything with it, saying the system wasn’t repairable.
One company had serviced the unit for 17 years before eventually stepping away. He was only able to get “patchwork” repairs done on it just to keep it running.
When the brutal San Antonio heat kicked in, the system couldn’t keep up. Window units were added to cool parts of the home while the rest still struggled.
Once Lloyd was named the winner, things moved quickly. The install was scheduled, and the team walked him through what to expect. They explained what was being replaced and how the new system would improve performance.
Lloyd said it best: “It was clear this wasn’t just another install job.”
On installation day, the crew got to work and handled everything step by step. They made sure the new system was installed properly and set up to match the needs of his home.
By the end of the day, that decades-old unit was officially retired and replaced with a brand-new Carrier HVAC system.
Safe to say, this one wasn’t going to need “one more patch” anytime soon.
Once the new system was up and running, the change was noticeable right away.
Cooling became consistent throughout the home. Airflow improved. The window units Lloyd had been relying on were no longer needed.
From the moment that he was notified that he had won the contest, Lloyd was impressed with the thoroughness of the Elmer’s team. “They are the ultimate professionals,” he said. “The hardest working guys in San Antonio.”
He also shared that winning the contest felt like a blessing after years of dealing with an unreliable system.
If your system is starting to sound like Lloyd’s, working hard but not keeping up, it may be time to consider a replacement.
At Elmer’s Home Services, we provide:
Get ahead of the next breakdown. Contact us today.
Winter is all cozy vibes—crackling fireplaces, fuzzy socks, and hot cocoa in hand. But while you’re soaking up the season, your plumbing might be quietly plotting a cold-weather catastrophe.
Sure, we may not be shoveling snow every morning—but when winter hits Texas, it comes in strong and fast. One surprise cold front and suddenly your plumbing is under more pressure than your holiday to-do list.
Here are 6 common plumbing problems we see during Texas winters—and how you can stop them before they ruin your season.
When that first real cold snap hits, your water heater has to work harder to keep up. If it’s older or hasn't had maintenance in a while, it might struggle to deliver consistent hot water—or quit altogether.
What to watch for: Inconsistent hot water, longer heat-up times, or weird noises coming from the tank.
How to avoid it: Schedule an annual flush to remove sediment, check the temperature setting (120°F is ideal), and call us for a tune-up if it’s been more than a year.
Between big family meals, holiday baking, and extra bathroom traffic, your plumbing gets a serious workout this time of year. Grease down the drain or too much paper in the toilet can lead to clogs and backups.
What to do:
When the weather cools off, it’s easy to ignore small plumbing issues—but that steady drip from your faucet or a running toilet could be wasting gallons of water (and money) every day.
Why now: Cold air can cause parts to contract slightly, which may make existing leaks worse.
Fix it fast: Handle minor leaks now before they become major ones. If you hear running water or notice damp spots, don’t wait.
Increased usage from guests and holiday meals puts extra stress on your sewer line—and if there’s already buildup or small cracks, that stress can lead to slow drains, foul odors, or even a full-on backup.
What to do: Watch for gurgling drains or bad smells. If your whole home’s draining slowly, get it checked before things escalate.
When it’s cold outside, we all tend to take longer, hotter showers—which feels amazing, but also leads to more hair, soap scum, and conditioner gunk heading down the drain. Over time, that buildup can slow things down or clog your shower entirely.
Pro tip: Add drain strainers to showers and tubs, and avoid dumping large amounts of shampoo or bath oils down the drain.
Okay—we know we said frozen pipes aren’t a huge issue most of the time in Texas. But during that one random hard freeze every couple years (lookin' at you, 2021), uninsulated pipes can become a problem—especially if they run through attics, garages, or exterior walls.
The move: Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install. You may never need it... until you really do. It’s worth knocking this off your winter prep list.
Winter in Texas is unpredictable. One week it’s 80°, the next it’s “where did I put my coat?” Whether you’re gearing up for holiday guests or just trying to stay cozy, now’s a good time to make sure your plumbing is ready. Need a pre-winter plumbing check or help with a clog? Contact Elmer's Home Services today—we’ve got your back.
Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like not blowing a fuse! Twinkling lights. Glowing reindeer. Giant inflatable Santa on the front lawn. Holiday displays are one of the best parts of the season—but they can also be a serious safety hazard if you’re not careful.
Whether you’re going full Clark Griswold this year or keeping it simple, here are a few no-nonsense electrical safety tips to keep your home merry, bright, and fire-free this holiday season.
Before you plug in a single strand, check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or broken bulbs. Just because a box is brand-new doesn’t mean it’s damage-free—sometimes things get bumped around in storage or during shipping.
Bonus tip: If you find damage, toss the strand. It’s not worth the risk.
We get it—more lights = more cheer. But too many plugs in one outlet or power strip can cause overheating, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires.
The rule of thumb: Only plug in what your outlet can handle. Spread things out between circuits if you're lighting up the whole yard.
Not all extension cords and lights are created equal. Outdoor-rated lights and cords are designed to handle moisture, temperature changes, and Texas weather mood swings.
Look for: Tags that say “UL-listed” and “for outdoor use.” And never use indoor lights outside—even if it’s just for a night.
Aside from saving energy, timers help prevent overheating and reduce fire risk. Plus, you won’t have to run outside in your pajamas to unplug everything at midnight.
Pro tip: Smart plugs with built-in timers are easy to set up and give you control from your phone. (Because nothing ruins a movie night like remembering your yard is still lit up like Vegas.)
Extension cords lying in puddles = a holiday hazard waiting to happen. Keep cords elevated and away from gutters, sprinkler heads, and anywhere water tends to collect.
Tip: Use plastic hooks, clips, or stakes—never nails or metal fasteners that can pierce the wire.
LED lights aren’t just brighter and more energy-efficient—they also generate way less heat than traditional bulbs. That means less risk of overheating and a lower electric bill come January.
Fun fact: You can connect more LED strands together without overloading a circuit, which means bigger, bolder displays with fewer headaches.
If you notice flickering lights, warm outlets, or your breaker trips every time you plug something in—it’s time to call an electrician. These are signs your system might be struggling to keep up, especially in older homes.
Keep the lights bright this holdiay season (and the fire department uninvolved). A little planning and a few smart safety habits can go a long way in keeping your home festive and safe. So go ahead—deck those halls. Just do it the safe way. Need help with outlet upgrades, outdoor power, or breaker issues before the holidays? Give Elmer's Home Services a call. We’ll help keep your home merry, bright, and powered up the right way.
Wondering how you can decorate safely without losing power (or your patience)? Well, then you’ve come to the right place. There’s nothing quite like the warm glow of holiday lights to make your home feel festive and cozy. Whether you go all out with a full Clark Griswold-style display or keep it classy with a few twinkling strands on the porch, holiday lighting brings serious cheer. But here’s the not-so-cheerful part: all those lights can push your electrical system to its limit. If you’ve ever plugged in one more inflatable snowman and suddenly lost power in half the house... yep, your breakers are trying to tell you something.
Let’s talk about how to keep your holiday spirit high and your breakers from flipping out.
Think of your electrical system like a highway. It’s built to handle a certain amount of traffic. Holiday lights? They’re like adding a parade, a marching band, and a few floats to the mix. Too much power flowing through one circuit can overwhelm it - and your breaker will trip to prevent overheating or even a fire.
It’s a built-in safety feature. But during the holidays, it can feel like your home is trying to Grinch your Christmas joy.
Here are a few tips to keep your home merry and safe:
Don’t plug every single decoration into one outlet. Use multiple circuits when possible - like plugging indoor lights into one area and outdoor ones into another.
LED lights use a fraction of the power that old incandescent bulbs do. They also stay cooler and last longer. A win-win-win!
We all have that one old, mystery cord hiding in a bin from 1997. Toss it. Use outdoor-rated extension cords for outdoor lights and make sure they’re not overloaded.
Each circuit in your home can only handle so much... usually around 15-20 amps. That’s about 1,800–2,400 watts. A typical string of LED lights uses 70–100 watts, so do the math before going full light show.
If your breakers trip often (even without the holiday load), it might be time for an electrical check-up. Outdated wiring, overloaded panels, or worn outlets could be to blame and we can help fix that before it ruins your holiday plans.
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Holiday lights should make you smile, not stress. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a bright, beautiful display and keep your electrical system happy.
Need help figuring out if your home is ready for the extra holiday load? We’ve got you covered. Give us a call and schedule a quick safety inspection - we’ll make sure everything’s up to code so you can focus on what really matters this season: making memories, not flipping breakers. Contact us today!
Let’s keep the lights on and the holidays merry!
It’s spooky season—the time of year when shadows stretch a little longer, creaky floorboards feel creepier, and your thermostat... starts acting possessed? If your home’s heating or cooling suddenly seems a little off, don’t call the ghostbusters just yet. The culprit might not be supernatural, but it could be your thermostat playing tricks on you.
Here are some common reasons your thermostat is acting up—and what you can do before it gives you a real fright:
Like any hardworking piece of equipment, thermostats wear out over time. If yours is more than 10 years old, it might be struggling to read your home’s temperature accurately—or respond at all. Kind of like your grandpa’s flip phone, it’s trying its best... but it’s probably time for an upgrade.
What to do: Consider replacing it with a modern, programmable or smart thermostat. Not only are they more accurate, but they can also help save energy (and money).
If your thermostat is located near a sunny window, a drafty door, or right above a vent, it’s probably picking up on the wrong signals. That means it might think your home is warmer or cooler than it really is, making your HVAC system turn on or off at the wrong times. Spooky.
What to do: Make sure your thermostat is installed in a central, shaded area—ideally on an interior wall away from any major temperature swings.
Ever feel like your home is chilly even though the thermostat says it’s 72°F? Faulty sensors could be to blame. Dirt, dust, or internal wiring issues can throw off your thermostat’s reading and cause your system to behave unpredictably.
What to do: Gently clean your thermostat and check the wiring if you’re comfortable doing so. If not, have an HVAC pro take a look. We promise we’re not afraid of cobwebs.
If you’ve got a smart thermostat that suddenly stops responding or keeps resetting itself, it may be struggling with a weak Wi-Fi connection or poor wiring. Think of it like a ghost trying to communicate—except it’s really just your thermostat crying out for help.
What to do: Double-check your Wi-Fi strength near the thermostat, and inspect the wiring (especially if it's been recently installed). If it’s still misbehaving, it might need reconfiguration or a quick visit from a technician.
Let’s be honest—we’ve all accidentally set our thermostat to “cool” when we meant “heat,” or messed up the programming trying to get fancy. If your system is acting up, it might just be confused by its settings.
What to do: Reset your thermostat to factory settings and reprogram it from scratch. Or, better yet, call us—we’ll walk you through it without judgment (promise).
Whether it’s a sensor issue, poor placement, or just old age, a misbehaving thermostat can make your home feel anything but cozy this fall. If something seems off, don’t ignore it—it might not be a ghost, but it is a sign your HVAC system needs some attention. Need help taming your haunted thermostat? Call Elmer's Home Services —we’ll make sure your home stays warm, safe, and spook-free all season long.
In San Antonio, a struggling AC is not something you can ignore. You feel it in the rooms that never quite cool down, in the airflow that never seems right, and in the constant question of whether the system is going to hold up. That’s what led us to create the Ugly HVAC Contest at […]
Maintaining the health of your air conditioning system is essential not only for cooling efficiency but also for ensuring the quality of the air you breathe. An AC unit that operates optimally is less likely to circulate contaminants and more likely to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Regular repairs and maintenance offer significant […]
Common Reasons Your Water Isn’t Getting Hot and What to Check First It’s a universal law of the universe: your water heater only decides to take a "mental health day" when you’re already running late, or it’s freezing outside. Stepping into a shower expecting steam and getting an arctic blast is a betrayal of the […]
